Guide to renting, buying and letting

Explained simply – for people looking for a home and for those who rent out or sell.

For home seekers

• Renting a flat: the documents your application dossier needs

  Which documents landlords in Switzerland ask for, how much rent suits your income and how a complete dossier helps you secure a flat faster.

  3 min read

• Ordering a debt collection register extract: how it works and what it costs

  Where to order your debt collection register extract, what it costs, what it shows and what you can do if it contains an unjustified entry.

  2 min read

• Rental deposits in Switzerland: amount, blocked account, repayment

  The maximum amount of a rental deposit, where the money must be held, when you get it back – and why you should never pay before viewing the property.

  2 min read

• Buying a home: equity and affordability clearly explained

  How much equity you need for a house or a freehold flat, how banks calculate affordability and what a financing confirmation does for you.

  2 min read

• Ending your lease: notice periods and form

  How to end your tenancy in Switzerland correctly: notice period, termination dates, written form, family home, registered mail and moving out early.

  4 min read

• Reference rate down: request a rent cut

  Reference rate down? How to calculate your rent reduction, send a written request to your landlord and, if needed, go to the conciliation authority.

  3 min read

• Service charge statement: what to check

  Which service charges your landlord may bill, what does not belong in the statement, how to inspect receipts, and payments on account versus a flat rate.

  3 min read

• Defects in your rented flat: your rights

  Minor, moderate or serious defect? How to report defects, set a deadline, ask for a rent reduction and pay rent into escrow the right way.

  4 min read

• Subletting in Switzerland: consent, liability

  When you may sublet your flat or a room, when the landlord can refuse, how much rent you may charge a subtenant and what you remain liable for as a tenant.

  3 min read

For providers

• Setting the rent: what is allowed in Switzerland

  How to set a fair, legally sound initial rent, when the official form is mandatory and what it must state since October 2025.

  2 min read

• Finding a replacement tenant: leaving your flat early

  When you can move out before the notice period ends, what counts as a suitable replacement tenant and how to pass applications on to the property management.

  2 min read

• Choosing tenants: fairly and in line with data protection

  Which details and documents you may ask for, when you need them and how to compare applications quickly and fairly.

  2 min read

• Writing a listing: find suitable tenants faster

  Photos, title, price and requirements: what makes a good listing and how to get fewer but better enquiries.

  2 min read

• Raising the rent: official form and deadlines

  How to raise the rent validly: official form, reasons, delivery ten days before the notice period begins, reference interest rate and inflation.

  3 min read

• Settling the rent deposit after move-out

  How to settle the rent deposit after move-out: move-out inspection, permitted deductions, release by the bank or insurer and the one-year deadline.

  3 min read